MV Council discusses 2019 budget providing for 1.9 percent tax increase
At its May 6 Special Council meeting to deal with the 2019 budget, MV Council reviewed a “very preliminary” draft that projected a 1.9 percent increase in taxes. Readers may recall that Council gave direction to staff about budget suggestions three months ago on February 7. Following a four-hour discussion on May 6, Council asked staff to re-present a draft budget on Wednesday May 15 at 10 a.m. incorporating their suggested changes. Members of Council also agreed that CAO/Clerk Suzanne Klatt could give formal notice that the 2019 municipal budget would be passed at the next Council meeting on May 21 at 4:00 p.m.
Kids Biz program on Bay Day
This Bay Day, May 17, up to ten local young people can participate in Northern Credit Union’s (NCU) youth engagement and youth entrepreneurship development project. The Kids Biz contest is open to all grades (one student per business). The NCU wants young people to come up with creative business ideas. Kids can win cash prizes donated by the NCU delegate group and each young entrepreneur will receive a Certificate of Participation.
To enter Kids Biz, participants must register at NCU by Friday May 17.
Renfrew County Council to lead on Active Transportation Month activities in June
The County of Renfrew is working with local activists to promote Active Transportation Month in June. At its April 24 meeting, County Council heard from Ish Theilheimer, co-chair of the Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) about four planned activities on which the County is taking leadership.
- The Silver Chain Challenge
- mass County Council bike-and-hike event immediately following the May 29 Council meeting
- Mayor’s Challenge
- Community Seniors’ Bike-and-Hikes during June
Emergency Services director Mike Nolan and OVCATA activists Chris Hinsperger, Kathy Eisner, and Ish Theilheimer go over plans for Active Transportation Month (photo submitted)
Win cash for your non-profit
The Combermere Martial Arts Club invites you to write a creative paragraph about why the Club should donate funds to your favorite local non-profit organization (in Combermere, Barry’s Bay, Wilno and Killaloe). The students and volunteer instructors of the Club will help decide who wins each of four cash prizes (two prizes of $500 and two prizes of $250) so get writing! Contest ends May 30. Send entries to christinedarbyson@gmail.com
OPP Bancroft provides update
Last December The Current reported that OPP Bancroft were seeking assistance following an alleged attack on an 18-year-old woman. It was said to have happened during an attempted robbery on Hastings Street South on December 31.
That woman has now been charged with three counts of public mischief and three counts of obstructing a peace officer. The OPP reported on May 9 that the complainant had made two previous reports of being victimized by the same unknown assailant while at her workplace. In September 2018 she reported being slashed across the face with a knife. In November 2018 she reported that the unknown male had attempted to gain access to her workplace.
The accused was released on a promise to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on June 11 2019 in Bancroft.
Combermere Craft Cabin opens Saturday May 18
The Combermere Craft Cabin Co-operative sells the work of about 50 local crafters from May to October. There are quite a few new artisans this year and organizer Sue Wade says new artists and artisans are always welcome. The Cabin is staffed by the volunteer makers and sales are subject to a commission rate based on voluntary hours. Because any profits after expenses go to a local charity or non-profit organization, the money stays in the community. To join the co-op or for more information, click HERE to visit the Combermere Craft Cabin Facebook page
Shown are Committee members conducting the spring clean-up before new work comes in. Suzanne Leclerc, Sue Wade, Nicole Aubé (Colina Taylor, absent) make up the new committee.
Wrong ace found in Catch the Ace draw
On May 9 Jerry Green won the weekly jackpot of $1,747.00. The winning ticket was drawn by Valley Manor nurse Betty Fairbairn. The envelope selected by Green contained an Ace – but NOT the Ace of Spades., so the progressive jackpot continues to grow with potential winnings of more than $10,000. The next draw is at 4 p.m. on Thursday May 16.
